About SURF
The Sanford Underground Research Facility and our divisions are working to advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.
Who is SURF? Sanford Underground Research Facility
The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is America’s underground lab. Located at the former Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, South Dakota, the facility’s premier deep underground environment blocks cosmic rays to allow for the search for dark matter and to study the properties of neutrinos.
In addition to physics research, SURF is also home to experiments in microbial life, geothermal energy, engineering, technology research, and more. Through ongoing experiments and outreach, SURF fulfills its mission of advancing world-class science and inspiring learning across generations.
ACCESSING THE UNDERGROUND
Scientists & staff use two shafts for their work, which are closed to the public. The Ross Shaft accesses the 4850 Level — where a diverse array of science is taking place.
The Yates Shaft is the 5,000-foot lifeline that provides everything science needs to operate, including supplies, equipment and access to science experiments and underground infrastructure.
GOING DOWN
A staggering 370+ miles of complex tunnels make up SURF’s underground. Some are carved from mining and others are more recent or in-progress to make way for new science. A diagram of our network is on display at the visitor center.
WHY GO UNDERGROUND?
Across levels, scientists are exploring phenomena that can only be found in the unique conditions this far underground. One mile below ground, scientists are hosting some of the world’s most sensitive physics experiments and beyond. Why? To escape cosmic radiation that interferes with researching elusive neutrinos & dark matter.
SEARCHING FOR LIFE
At nearly all levels underground scientists are searching for micro-organisms dwelling in extreme conditions to gather understandings about the origins and possibilities of life.
FORGING AHEAD SECTION ABOUT GOING DEEPER/FURTHER
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